In past World Cups the United States Men's National Team has entered with the hope of advancing out of group play. If they failed to do so, it wasn't necessarily a disappointing tournament. Things are going to be quite different in South Africa this summer if the US fails to advance. Bob Bradley and the entire US team has likely been drawn into the easiest group of the World Cup. The English media's view sums it up nicely. E.A.S.Y. (England, Algeria, Slovenia, Yanks). Yes, apparently they still call us Yanks across the pond.

Expectations are higher than ever for this US team. As expectations mount, so does the pressure. Bradley knows the consequences of not advancing this summer, and if they fail to do so, the backlash will be forceful.

Of course, the eyes of the soccer world rested on South Africa this past friday. The United States' favorable draw has been all the talk since. But with 6 months left until the commencement of the world cup, the hype will undoubtedly recede. Individuals will prepare on their own, with their club teams, and with Coach Bob Bradley. Expect them to downplay the expectations and pressure as we get nearer to the World Cup in June.

US star Landon Donovan has begun doing this already. "I want to reiterate that when you get to the World Cup these are, in essence, the 32 best teams in the world. I know on paper it seems like a better draw then we had the last time but that all goes out the window when the games start. These are very good teams."

Donovan is of course referring to Algeria and Slovenia, the teams the United States will play after their opener with England. Donovan, as well as his teammates, understand the pressure and expectations that come with this draw, and with the World Cup in general. "Clearly the expectation level around the sports fan and soccer fan is that we've got a good chance to advance, " Donovan said. He also understands that these expectations inevitably come with the territory and cannot be controlled. "There's nothing we can do about that, really. I want to make sure that I am as prepared as I can be and that the team is prepared as it can be."

Having veterans to handle the sort of expectations facing this team is necessary to overcome any obstacles and nervousness leading up to their first game on June 12. United States captain, Carlos Bocanegra, seems to be on the same page as Donovan. "America loves winners. American fans are thinking that we should advance out of the group and I like that. As far as managing the expectations, Algeria and Slovenia are very good teams."

At this point, dealing with the pressure and expectations does not seem to be faltering either of these veterans. They place a big enough burden on themselves. "Anytime now that we don't advance, we're going to be disappointed, " Donovan said. "Even in 2006, as hard as that group was, had we beaten Ghana, which is a team we felt we could have beaten, we would have advanced. That's OUR expectation level now, and that's good."

Confidence seems to be at an all time high with this team, especially after beating Spain in the confederations cup and having a strong showing at the end of World Cup qualifying. This confidence will be a key factor in overcoming the nationwide expectations. "We as a group and as a team, we know what we're capable of and we have a great confidence," Bocanegra said. "We feel we need to get out of our group and we need to make some noise in South Africa."

Coach Bob Bradley isn't one to divulge his tactics, let alone his feelings, so don't expect much of a reaction from him as we creep closer to June 11, 2010. "I think there's a fair chance for us (to advance out of group play)," Bradley said. "Slovenia and Algeria both came through great situations to get to this World Cup." Bradley won't give up anymore than this, but expect him to be feeling the pressure as well. His job will be on the line if the US fails to advance.

It seems, at this point, just three days after the draw, the US team is not feeling the pressure that will surely mount in the days leading up to their opening match with England. Right now, excitement is building. The players are ready to make a run, but clearly understand the time and work needed both individually and with the team for them to be successful. This time around, success will be defined differently than any in the past.